Traditional Red Stag Stalking in Scotland

These beautiful Estates is situated in the “heart of the Cairngorm Mountains near to Aviemore in Mid Scotland.  

The hunt

The stalking of a red deer stag in the Scottish highland is both challenging and unforgettable, a truly remarkable experience.

All red deer are completely wild and are located on open moorland and mountainous terrain. The challenge of stalking over various types of terrain to achieve the final goal of having a stag within your sights lures many hunters to the highlands year after year.

Accommodation 

Accommodation takes place at cozy and local Bed & Breakfast and Guesthouses close to the hunting areas, where breakfast is included. It is also possible to get full board included on the trip, where breakfast, packed lunch for the hunt and dinner are included in the accommodation.

If you choose an arrangement with breakfast only, it will usually be possible to eat dinner at nearby restaurants or similar (options can vary). You must not expect the greatest luxury in the accommodation, but you can expect really good service and hospitable hosts with the traditional Scottish charm.

A typical hunting day

Upon arrival on the estate you will be met by your stalker, usually around 09:00 in the morning. You will be asked to shoot at a target to ensure that you comfortable with your rifle and that the rifle is accurate, targets are positioned usually at a distance of 100 metres.

Upon commencement of the hunt you will be accompanied at all times by an experienced stalker and occasionally a ghille. Your stalker will know where to locate your deer depending on wind direction and prevailing conditions.

When the deer are located the herd will consist of between 10 and 100 red deer, at this point your stalker will select a stag that, in his opinion, is suitable to be culled. At this point you and your stalker begin your final approach, this will usually involve crawling on the ground in order to avoid detection by the stag.

Once you have reached a suitable distance from the group the selected stag will be described to you. When the target is standing correctly a shot can be taken.

After a successful shot has been taken your stag will be collected by either an all terrain vehicle or Highland Pony.

Normally the hunt will be 2:1 meaning that 2 hunters will share 1 stalker. Both of the hunters will follow the stalker and often you stalk together until a herd og red deer is seen and hereafter it is the stalker and the hunter who stalks alone the last way. By doing it this way both hunters will participate in each others stalking and experiences.

If you are only 1 hunter you will get your own stalker and hunt 1:1, upon a extra fee.

It will also be possible to combine the hunting with some fishing our tourism based on your wishes.